Shiatsu is the application of finger pressure to various points along the "meridian lines" of the body. The intent is to manipulate the body's "Ki" flow to bring about beneficial results. Shiatsu and Acupressure are closely related in that they both manipulate these meridian points through pressure by fingers, thumbs, and palms.
In Shiatsu, much like other forms of massage, one can use not only the thumbs and fingers, but also elbows, palms, knees, or even feet (thumbs, palms, and fingers are used in traditional Shiatsu.) Combined with a solid knowledge of pressure points Shiatsu works well to relieve pain, relax the body, and promote healing. Some have even used Shiatsu for migraines, but that will vary greatly with the individual.
So what are the benefits of shiatsu massage? Shiatsu practitioners are trained in diagnosis, as well as therapy, and the intent of Shiatsu is to prevent illness and to assist in recovery and aid healing. Shiatsu is a "whole body" system, so its use will help the immune and circulatory systems, bone structure, muscles, and the overall health of the body.
The origins of Shiatsu are fairly recent. Shiatsu was developed in Japan in the 1900s and is based off principles that are thousands of years old. In many ways it can be looked at as a variation of acupressure, or acupuncture without the needles.
The Japan College of Shiatsu was established in 1940 and Shiatsu became generally accepted in Japan in the 50's and is growing worldwide. Today Shiatsu practice in Japan is regulated and practitioners have to go through a government licensing program.
Several variations on Shiatsu methods have developed over the years. One is Grigorian Method Shiatsu, by Dr. Grigore, Shiatsu Master. This is a unique whole body treatment that is focused on the skeleton. It combines joint motion and "range of motion" movements with pressure points which requires the client to be passive, loose, and relaxed. It is a preventative therapy for inflammatory disease as well as a good method of recovery and body maintenance.
Another form is Zen Shiatsu, originated by Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981.) This form combines the traditional Shiatsu techniques with the meditative state of the practitioner. The Zen meditative state allows the masseur to better feel the client?s responses to the treatment. The Zen Shiatsu Therapist uses these responses, and his hands, to detect the imbalances of the body and he then attempts to restore those imbalances.
Aromatherapy is frequently used with Shiatsu massage. While not formally part of shiatsu therapy the aromatherapist brings added benefit to the Shiatsu session. Note, that just having a pleasant scent in the massage room is not Aromatherapy.
Acupressure Training in Shiatsu can be had at a variety of online and offline massage training centers. Look in your phone book for local Shiatsu Massage centers or go online and search on "acupressure training" or "shiatsu training." You'll see a good number of sites come up under either of those terms. Shiatsu is difficult, if not impossible, to learn from a book, so a good shiatsu teacher is highly recommended.
If you can?t find a Shiatsu therapist an interesting alternative might be a Shiatsu massage chair. These chairs attempt to reproduce the effects of a Shiatsu massage, though I don't imagine that they're very good at manipulating Ki flow or entering into a Zen meditative state. They do provide a pretty good massage, though, and can be very comfortable. Try one and see if it's worth your time.
